Swing Dance

November 1, 2023

PreS-Gr 2-Emerging readers can learn about dancing for fun and exercise with this informative series. Each book uses simple text and bright, dynamic pictures to demonstrate basic concepts about its unique form of dance. Brown-skinned children in colorful, flowing outfits pose in Bollywood Dance, which offers a culturally appropriate introductory understanding of the style. Ballet and Acro Dance show off distinctive clothing too, but also focus on the strength used in these dance forms. Both Salsa and Swing Dance describe partner dancing. Tap Dance, Contemporary Dance, and Hip-Hop Dance can be done solo or as part of a troupe. At no more than five lines on a page, there isn't much room to dive deep into the subjects. Still, the diversity plus the inclusion of male- and female-presenting children for all the different styles of dance ensures that many readers will see themselves in the included photos. VERDICT A bit utilitarian but worth purchasing if you can swing it.

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.